Hello friend, hope you’re doing well! Today I’m excited to share my thoughts on the Mazda CX-90 — a three-row SUV that has caught my eye for many good reasons. I’ll walk you through what makes it special, how it drives, how it’s built, and yes, what the price looks like (in our town phrasing). Let’s dive in like friends chatting about cars.
What is the Mazda CX-90?
The CX-90 is the latest big SUV from Mazda, replacing the older CX-9 in the U.S. market and offering more space, a more luxurious feel, and more choice in powertrains.
In simple words: if you need a vehicle that can carry 7-8 people (depending on the seating) and you also care about how it looks and feels, the Mazda CX-90 is aiming at that mix.
Do you know it’s very special or unique? Yes, it is, because unlike many family SUVs that go for pure utility, the Mazda CX-90 tries to bring in a premium feel. Reviews say it has “highbrow interior design” and “handles well for its size.”
Design & Feel
Brother, when you open the doors of the Mazda CX-90, you’ll feel the difference. The materials inside are nicer than what you might expect at this price level. Soft-touch surfaces, good seats, and a cabin that looks more upscale than typical family SUVs.
On the outside, it has a long hood, set-back cabin, and a stance that suggests it’s more than just a “mom and dad driving to school” car. It has presence.
One little real-life example: imagine you pick up your family for a weekend outing, and you open the door—people notice regardless (in a good way). That’s the kind of feeling I got reading about it.
Powertrains & Performance
So friend, here’s where it gets interesting. The Mazda CX-90 comes with multiple engine choices:
- A mild-hybrid inline-6 (3.3 litre turbo) for those who want strong performance.
- A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version, which mixes a gasoline engine + electric motor + battery pack. In this version you can drive some miles purely on electric.
In its PHEV variant, the Mazda CX-90 produces about 323 horsepower and delivers up to around 26 miles of electric-only driving in ideal conditions.
In testing, one source found the PHEV version did 0-60 mph in around 5.9 seconds.
That means it’s not just big and comfortable; it has the guts to match. If you’re merging on the highway, you’re not doing it sluggishly.
One caveat: some reviewers mention the third row is a bit tight (so if you often carry full-grown adults in row three, you might notice).
Interior Space & Practicality
Okay brother, so you want to know about space: The Mazda CX-90 is built as a three-row SUV, meaning you get seats for up to 7 or 8 people (depending on row 2 configuration).
The second row can have a bench (makes 8 seats) or two captain’s chairs (makes 7 seats). The third row works, but it may not be as roomy or comfy as some competitors. If you have teens or tall adults, they might feel a bit snug back there. Real-life owners say: on a road trip, the third row is usable, but you’ll feel the difference.
For cargo: behind all rows up you don’t get massive space compared to some rivals that focus purely on utility. So if you always carry big loads, something to keep in mind.
Technology & Features
Friend, today tech matters a lot. In the Mazda CX-90 you’ll find:
- Good infotainment screen and driver display (in higher trims). Reviewers say graphics are decent but not class-leading.
- Standard and available features like premium audio, navigation, safety systems. For example, the hybrid version is rated very well for safety.
- Driving modes in the PHEV version (EV mode, Sport mode, etc) giving you flexibility.
One everyday example: Suppose you drive to office each day, maybe 20km, you could plug in at home, drive in EV mode quietly, then for longer drives you still have gasoline engine backup. That’s the benefit.
Fuel Economy & Efficiency
Now brother, here’s an important part if you’re conscious of running costs. For the PHEV version: electric-only range is about 25-26 miles. After that it behaves like a hybrid.
In testing, when the battery ran out, fuel economy was a bit less brisk (compared to the pure gasoline version) depending on conditions.
If you often drive short distances and can charge at home, the PHEV makes a lot of sense. If you’re always doing long highway drives and rarely charging, then the benefit reduces.
Safety
You’ll be pleased to know that the CX-90 gets very good safety credentials. For example, the plug-in hybrid version is rated a top pick by some safety bodies.
Which means your family in row two and three will be not just comfortable, but also safer in many scenarios.
Price – “In our town” phrasing
Alright brother, price time. In the U.S., the PHEV version of the CX-90 starts from around US$51,400 and goes up depending on trim.
Now if I were to translate that to “in our town” style: You might say something like “Starts roughly at the equivalent of around INR XX lakh (plus taxes/imports etc)” — exact local pricing in Patna/Bihar may differ a lot because of duties, freight, local taxes. But for ball-park, consider a premium SUV of this size could cost you similar to what luxury brands charge locally.
So: “In our town the CX-90 would cost somewhere in the broad range of say around INR 50-60 lakhish (or more), depending on variant, features and import costs.” That’s a rough estimate for you (not exact).
What I like and what I don’t
What I like:
- The premium feel and design: you feel you’re driving something nicer than your average family SUV.
- Strong performance, especially in the PHEV version — enough power to feel enjoyable.
- The flexibility: you get a big SUV with 3 rows and also hybrid tech if you pick that.
- Safety credentials are solid.
What I don’t like:
- Third row space could be tighter than some rivals.
- The PHEV electric-only range, while good, is not huge. If you chase 40+-50 miles electric only, it falls short of some competitors.
- Price climbs up quickly with higher trims. So value for money can be challenged if you go all out.
- Some tech/interface bits (infotainment) might lag compared to ultra-luxury brands.
Who is it for?
So brother, who should seriously consider this CX-90?
- If you have a family of 5-7 and you sometimes carry people in row three.
- If you want something more upscale than basic family SUVs (you appreciate nice materials, good looks, good driving feel).
- If you want hybrid tech and can plug in (so you’ll use that benefit).
- If you’re okay accepting maybe slightly less third-row space for better overall feel.
If you’re always carrying 8 tall adults plus huge cargo behind them, maybe you check competitors more focused purely on volume/capacity.
Final Verdict
In my view: The Mazda CX-90 is a very strong contender in the large three-row SUV segment. It manages to combine family practicality with driver‐pleasure, and with the PHEV version you get the bonus of electric-drive flexibility. In our town context, if you can afford it, it offers something more refined than ordinary family SUVs.
Of course you’ll pay more for higher trims, but for what you get — style, performance, tech, three rows — it delivers. If it were me picking, I’d lean toward a mid-trim PHEV version: good power, good features, great feel without going crazy on cost.
So brother, if you’re in the market for a three-row SUV and you like the idea of driving something that stands out (without going full luxury-brand price), the CX-90 deserves a serious look.
